By Redacción
[email protected]
The City of Santa Barbara has unveiled a groundbreaking new lease agreement with the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), aimed at transforming the downtown corridor into a dynamic cultural and entertainment hub.
The property at 916 State Street, formerly known as the Fiesta 5 Theater, will be at the center of these efforts, undergoing major renovations to bring it up to state-of-the-art standards.
The collaboration between the city and SBIFF marks an important milestone in the revitalization of downtown Santa Barbara, an area long celebrated for its arts and cultural contributions. This partnership will also offer a significant economic boost, drawing thousands of visitors to the area and ensuring consistent foot traffic year-round for local businesses.
An Economic and Cultural Catalyst
SBIFF is already an integral part of Santa Barbara’s cultural fabric. The organization’s annual 11-day film festival attracts over 100,000 visitors, delivering a much-needed economic surge during what is traditionally a slow period for tourism. This influx of attendees provides a boost to local businesses and contributes to the city’s thriving arts scene. However, this new lease agreement promises to extend SBIFF’s impact far beyond its flagship event.
Once the renovations are completed, the Fiesta 5 Theater will not only serve as a venue for the annual festival but will also provide year-round programming, drawing locals and tourists alike. The upgraded facility is set to host a diverse range of events, from film screenings to live performances, which will, in turn, support local artists and filmmakers. This continuous stream of cultural programming will help keep downtown Santa Barbara bustling with activity.
“This project will have a profound impact on our downtown corridor,” said Roger Durling, Executive Director of SBIFF. “We’re not just talking about films. We’re talking about making the theater a place for education, for live events, and for inspiring the next generation of creatives. We’re thrilled to be part of this revitalization effort, especially as we celebrate SBIFF’s 40th anniversary.”
A Transformative Vision
The renovation of the Fiesta 5 Theater will begin shortly after the 40th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February 2025. While major construction will take time, the theater is expected to reopen its doors in mid-November of that year. When complete, it will offer five screens that SBIFF plans to “mindfully curate,” as Durling put it, redefining the movie-going experience in Santa Barbara.
SBIFF’s vision for the theater goes beyond just offering films. In addition to cinematic screenings, the space will be used for live events and educational programs. Many of these programs will be either free or low-cost, aimed at ensuring accessibility to underserved and underrepresented communities. This focus on inclusivity aligns with SBIFF’s broader mission of using cinema as an educational tool and offering cultural enrichment to the entire community.
“The addition of more screens and a renewed focus on educational outreach means we’ll be able to inspire more people than ever before,” said Durling. “With this expanded canvas, we can help redefine how people think about movies, art, and community engagement.”
A Partnership for Santa Barbara’s Future
Santa Barbara City Administrator Kelly McAdoo echoed Durling’s sentiments, highlighting the long-term benefits of the agreement for the city. “This lease agreement with SBIFF is a win for our community,” McAdoo said. “Not only does it reinforce our commitment to fostering creativity and supporting the arts, but it also delivers a significant economic boost to downtown Santa Barbara.”
Under the terms of the lease, SBIFF will have an initial five-year agreement, with the option to extend for an additional 25 years. During the first year, the organization will embark on a capital campaign aimed at raising $15 million to fund the extensive renovations needed to bring the theater to life.
In addition to the economic and cultural benefits, the lease agreement includes provisions for community benefit programming. These initiatives will ensure that the theater serves as a key resource for the city’s underserved communities, offering accessible cultural and educational opportunities. This makes the project not only a win for the arts but also a victory for social equity in Santa Barbara.
Looking Ahead
The collaboration between the City of Santa Barbara and SBIFF is more than just a lease agreement—it is a promise of transformation for the downtown area. With the theater slated to become a year-round cultural hub, the community can expect lasting benefits, from increased tourism to expanded educational programs.
Residents and visitors alike can look forward to a vibrant downtown, where the arts are not only celebrated during the festival season but throughout the year. As both the city and SBIFF gear up for this ambitious project, the future of Santa Barbara’s downtown looks brighter than ever.
For further details on the project, residents are encouraged to review the October 8 Council Agenda Report and stay updated through the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s official channels.
This partnership between the city and SBIFF promises to leave a lasting impact on the community, solidifying Santa Barbara’s status as a premier cultural destination for years to come.
